Gas leak closes downtown Mishawaka

-Construction workers at new pharmacy site hit line.

-Construction workers at new pharmacy site hit line.

September 26, 2006|ERIN MILLER Tribune Staff Writer

MISHAWAKA -- Construction workers building a new pharmacy struck a gas line Monday afternoon, causing the closure of much of downtown Mishawaka. "They were tearing out old concrete sidewalk with a backhoe," said Chris Procaccino, an ironworker at the site on the corner of First Street and Main Street. "They got too deep." Mike Suggs, public affairs manager for Northern Indiana Public Service Co.'s western region, said a main had been hit. Mike Charbonneau, a NIPSCO spokesman, said Monday night the gas leak was stopped about 7 p.m. and repairs were beginning to be made. The Mishawaka Fire Department evacuated several buildings near the construction zone. An employee of Doc Pierce's restaurant said they were told it would take at least an hour before they could re-enter the building. "We have caught a few whiffs of (gas) going by," manager T.J. Laughlin said. Mishawaka police officers blocked Main Street and Church Street at Lincoln Way after the leak was reported. Staff writer Tom Moor contributed to this report.